Kinako Sakurakoji arrived in Tokyo from rural Hokkaido, a dream of big city life finally realized. Living on her own, she initially found the urban landscape difficult to navigate, a fact made clear when Kanon Shibuya discovered her lost on the Yuigaoka Girls' High School campus. This chance encounter led to an invitation to join the school idol group Liella!, though Kinako believed such a path was impossible for her. It was only after witnessing the group's dazzling performance that she was moved to join. She later assumed the role of secretary on the student council, became Liella!'s secondary lyricist, and eventually ascended to student council president following Ren Hazuki's graduation.

Her speech is marked by a habitual self-reference in the third person and ending sentences with "~ssu," a trait from her rural upbringing. Having spent much time outdoors on her family's ranch estate, she possesses a strong affinity and understanding for animals. Kinako has sisters, though their number is unspecified. She maintains a unique perspective on city life, notably referring to Harajuku as "Hills people."

Academically average and not naturally athletic, Kinako is nonetheless defined by a determined and hardworking nature that refuses to back down from a challenge. She is generally kind, sweet, cheerful, and supportive, though her sociability is occasionally punctuated by moments of shyness and awkwardness. A tendency to be loud and easily startled contributes to an eccentric, airheaded demeanor, which belies an ultimately level-headed and practical core. Her trademark honesty can sometimes lead to innocently insensitive assessments.

She has a slim figure, long brown hair styled in low twin tails secured with white ribbons, and a braided crown. Her straight bangs feature a lighter brown ombre, and her eyes are a deep green. Her designated image color is maize yellow.

Her narrative begins with a struggle to find a new home in Tokyo, which led to a chance encounter with Mei Yoneme and then Liella! practicing on the school rooftop. After being walked home by Kanon and learning about school idols, she was deeply moved by a performance of "Starlight Prologue." Following encouragement from Natsumi Onitsuka and a private performance of "Welcome to Bokura no Sekai," she officially joined the group.

As a new member, she struggled with the physical demands of training but was supported by the second-year members and given a secret regimen by Keke Tang. Her dedication grew, evident when she invited Mei to join the club and later advocated for a return to the group's original, more strenuous training to better strive for victory. She experienced a first loss at the Yoyogi School Idol Festival and was consoled by the group. Her blunt honesty occasionally caused minor friction, such as during a discussion about potential club president candidates.

In later developments, she attempted to bond with former rival Margarete Wien after she joined Liella!, with initial efforts like card and video games meeting little success. After Margarete's realization about the importance of heart, both Kinako and Natsumi volunteered for her strict training to avoid being left behind, demonstrating a continued commitment to improvement and group cohesion.

Her hobbies include talking to animals, gardening, and baking bread. Her favorite foods are potatoes, pumpkins, and corn.